A day after a video of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging in an informal conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan went viral, speculation has been rife about the “unexpected and discreet” visit of the Emirati leader to Pakistan.
On Sunday, PM Shehbaz, joined by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, met the UAE president at Rahim Yar Khan International Airport.
According to a statement from the PM Office, the discussions between the two leaders covered a range of topics, including economic cooperation, regional stability, climate change, and advancing mutual interests on the global stage.
During the meeting, the statement added, President Nayhan underscored the UAE government’s keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals and agriculture sectors.
“Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan. Reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest, including investments in Pakistan, were discussed with a resolve to move forward together [sic],” PM Shehbaz said in a post later in the day.
However, with the sudden visit and meeting taking many by surprise, social media users were seen speculating the reason behind the same.
Amid unverified claims, The Current has received exclusive details behind the Emirati royal’s private visit to Pakistan.
According to sources, the UAE president, along with Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, arrived at the Chandna Airstrip in Bahawalpur on Wednesday. The royals departed for their palace in southern Punjab’s Cholistan via two special helicopters.
“The Emirati royals are in Pakistan to engage in falconry and hunting during their one-week stay,” sources said, adding that they often privately visited the country from November to February to hunt Asian Houbara bustards.
The Houbara bustard, a desert bird comparable in size to a chicken, is an endangered migratory species that was once abundant in the Arabian Peninsula. Each winter, thousands of these birds migrate from Central Asia to Pakistan.
Although hunting the Houbara bustard is illegal in Pakistan due to its dwindling population, the government often grants annual hunting permits to Middle Eastern dignitaries. Authorities argue that these foreign hunters bring investments that aid in developing underprivileged areas. This influx of resources is said to support infrastructure projects, such as building hospitals, schools, and roads, while also providing seasonal employment opportunities for locals.
